LA SCIE, N.L. — A 37-year-old La Scie man is now facing charges of trafficking contraband tobacco after RCMP say they pulled him over with 450 cartons of illegal cigarettes.
The traffic stop that resulted in the charges came after a week-long investigation between Baie Verte RCMP, RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit and Canada Post inspectors. Canada Post contacted the police on April 2 about suspicious packages from Alberta destined for La Scie.
On April 7, RCMP then pulled the man over and allegedly found the large quantity of contraband tobacco, which police estimate has a street value of $22,500.
The man is now facing charges under the Federal Excise Act 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco, and under the Provincial Revenue Administration Act for possession of contraband tobacco and under the Criminal Code of Canada for trafficking unstamped tobacco.
RCMP said the man was released from custody and is scheduled to attend court at a later date.
